International Student and Scholar Services

International Festival at WMU
Western students are individuals who are truly unique. We celebrate the passions that drive you and the possibilities that inspire you. For us, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where you're empowered to learn and where an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. 
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WMU's International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support. The unit is part of the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Established in 1998, the Haenicke Institute fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western Michigan University community.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

International student posing at graduation
WMU was my first step in my graduate studies journey. I learned a lot while completing my master's and working as a graduate assistant. All my professors encouraged me to continue my studies through a Ph.D. program. Someday, I want to be a professor and impact students' lives just like my professors at WMU impacted mine.
— Vitoria Castor, International Student from Brazil, WMU Class of 2025
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly. Express advising for international students is available Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Faunce Student Services.
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Staff Directory

International Student and Scholar Services

Students on campus

Prospective Students

Learn more applying to WMU as an international student. 

A student at international student orientation pinning his home country on the map.

Admitted Students

Are you an international student on your way to Kalamazoo? Congrats! Learn more here.

Students showing W hands at sporting event

Current Students

Maintain your immigration status and find ways to get involved on campus.

Students on campus

International Scholars

Come to WMU as a visiting scholar or international faculty or staff.

2,100+

international students on campus and abroad

400+

recent international alumni graduates undergoing Optional Practical Training

94

countries represented on WMU's campuses

News

Events

Conversation Circle

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 — 2 to 3 p.m.
WMU Student Center

OPT Workshops for International Students

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 — 10 to 11 a.m.
Thursday, July 24, 2025 — 11 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 — 10 to 11 a.m.
3110 Faunce Student Services
More Global Education Events
More WMU Campus Events

About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Your journey at Western Michigan University is a global one. Through transformative events, immersive classes and experience-driven learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. From fostering academic opportunities to showcasing cultural events and providing K-12 outreach, the Haenicke Institute promotes learning that transcends borders and takes you wherever you want to go.
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Student making W hands

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
Student studying abraod

Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.
A professor speaking in a classroom

Faculty Engagement

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.
A student studying

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers intensive English language study.
Students talking on campus

Global Learning

The Haenicke Institute facilitates a variety of large and small-scale events, experiences and courses to enrich the campus community and support WMU's internationalization efforts.
WMU staff doing community outreach

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.